The most challenging part about using a voice-based speaker is no knowing what it can do. Smart speakers such as the Google Home, Amazon Echo, and Apple HomePod can perform useful tasks just by responding to your voice. These functions can include turning other smart home products on/off, helping you to learn a second language, and much more.

Voice-activated speakers can perform a lot of other tasks too, including those less common and, in many cases, purely for fun. But with so many controls and commands to choose from, some awesome features slip through the cracks!

Here are a few Google Home commands you’ve likely never heard of before, but that are worth trying out!

The best part of Mystery Sounds is just how quickly the game becomes difficult. Here, you’re asked to match the sounds with a creature or object. The quicker you give the correct answer, the more points you get. If you find yourself stumped, you can ask for assistance, although your point total will go down for getting help.

Just Say: “Hey Google, let’s play Mystery Sounds”Hint: It’s not a puppy or a kitten, it’s a cat.

Ding Dong Coconut is somewhat similar to Mystery Sounds except you can play against a friend. In the game, you’ll need to associate words with sounds that you hear. However, this isn’t as simple as listening to the sound of a dog barking and matching it with the word “dog.” In the real world, the sounds that you hear have absolutely nothing to do with its word match.

With The Pilgrim and The Guardian, your journey to a temple at the end of the forest. Your job is to either attempt to enter the temple as the pilgrim or ask Google clues to open the door as the guardian. The goal is to match a clue with its password.

Just Say: “Hey Google, start The Pilgrim and The Guardian”Hint: Playing as the pilgrim is so much more fun!

Next, there’s SongPop, the 21st-century version of Name That Tune where you match a sound clip with the name of the song or artist based on the genre of music you select. This game is a ton of fun to play by yourself, or with an entire room of people!

Just Say: “Hey Google, Start Song Pop”Hint: Only music aficionados should apply here.

6. What Game Is That?

Don’t know what game to play? Just say “Okay Google, let’s play a game.” Google will walk you through an ever-changing list of games from which to choose.

Fans of the Matrix will love the interaction that begins with Google Assistant by merely asking, “Are we in the matrix?” Also ask the assistant about the red pill and blue bill too; you’ll be glad that you did.

Just Say: “Hey Google, talk to Matrix quiz”

13. Who’s Right?

Thanks to a Google Home speaker, you don’t have to settle an argument using your fists. Instead, say “Okay Google, flip a coin” or “Hey Google, roll a dice.”

Google Assistant isn’t quite ready to take the place of your doctor. However, when you have a medical-related question, it can prove useful nonetheless.

The Virtual Nurse offers information on illnesses, medications, and first aid procedures. For example, you can ask the nurse questions like, “Hey, Google, how do you perform CPR” or “What are the side effects of using Metformin?”

Are you ever feeling lonely? Wish there was someone who could listen to your problems and offer soothing words? Sentimental Friend is always there for you, no matter the time of day. Whether you’re happy or sad, Sentimental Friend can provide you with insight and words of encouragement.

Just Say: “Hey Google, talk to Sentimental Friend”

16. Finally, Try Some Follow-Up Questions

Google Assistant is noted for being able to answer follow up questions unless many of the other voice assistants on the market.

You can ask Google for the location of the nearest gas station followed by when the store closes or say “Okay Google, what’s playing at the nearest theater” followed by “How far away is that?”

As you can see, Google Home speakers can do much more than play music. Use the built-in Google Assistant to play a game, help you relax, and much more. You’ll be glad that you did.

Bryan Wolfe loves new technology. His focus is on Apple and Windows-based products, as well as smart home gadgets. When he's not playing around with the newest smartphone or tablet, you'll find him watching Netflix, HBO, or AMC. Or test driving new cars.